Corn Planting Begins With Warm April Weather

Apr 20, 2016

The recent rainfall broke a string of dry days for us. Spencer received about 0.7 inches of rain. Storm lake, Spirit Lake and other areas in the highway 71 corridor received a similar 0.4 to 0.7 inches. However, areas east of highway 4 did not receive much rain and are returning to the field today.

I did a quick text message survey of some ag professionals in my area and they reported that corn planting progress was 10 to 35% complete in areas of Clay and Dickinson counties.

I am a little surprised as to the amount of corn that was planted. Last year farmers were mostly cautious on corn planting – waiting until late April/early May to plant corn. However, this year has a different feel to it – with some recent warm weather and more warm weather predicted. Hopefully the predicted warm weather will occur as forecast.

I had the question a few times – is it windier than usual this spring? The windy conditions have made it real difficult for herbicide and fertilizer applications. A check of the Mesonet confirmed that – with the exception of 1999 and 2001 – this has been a windy spring in Spencer.

Source: iastate.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.